EGR valve NOTHING TO DO WITH START UP ONLY, whoever told you this is mixingit up with PULSE AIR SYSTEM.
EGR can be disconnected as I did on mine but went L.O.S. when I did this so must keep on PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SENSOR.
Some seem ok with this removed but others not.
Will n ot in any way affect idle emissions as this is only used when cruisng on light throttle(EGR).
Pulse air is a series of pipes connected 1+4, 2+3 that feed air into exhaust with cold engine to allow continuing burning of gasses inside exhaust to heat cat up quicker.
tabetha